252 
NATURE NOTES 
SELBORNE SATURDAY AFTERNOONS. 
November 14. — Prof. Boulger being prevented by illness from giving his 
promised demonstration in the Botanical Department of the Natural History 
Museum, Mr, W. P. Pycraft kindly consented at short notice to lead the party 
of Selbornians round the Bird Department. In an admirably clear manner he 
showed many interesting instances of special adaptation to environment and 
habit, pointing out how in diving birds the legs are placed far back under the 
body so as to obtain the most efficient leverage, how in running birds the legs 
are strongly developed while the wings are atrophied from neglect of use, and 
how in birds living in swamps the nostrils are placed near the tip of the long 
beak to aid them in finding their food under the mud. Many other instructive 
details were learned from Mr. Pycraft’s commentary on specimens in the cases 
visited, and his audience listened with a lively interest, A hearty vote of thanks 
was given by all present. 
December 12. — Botanical Gallefy, National History Museum, Cromwell Road. 
Assemble in the Central Hall at 2.30 p.m. Professor Boulger will give the 
demonstration which he was prevented by illness from giving on November 14. 
December 19. — (Hampstead Branch) Ancient Halls of the City Guilds. 
Brewers’ Hall, Addle Street, Wood Street, E.C. Guides, Mr. H. Plowman, 
F.S.A., Mr. Geo. Avenell. Meet at 2 p.m. Barber-Surgeons’ Hall, Monkwell 
Street, E.C. Guide, Mr. Sidney Young, author of the “Annals of the Barber- 
Surgeons.” At 3 p.m. 
N.B . — Any members of the Selborne Society may join the party. 
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
S. P. H. — I can, I fear, make no useful suggestion as to the malformed 
turnip, nor did I get much help, owing to the scanty nature of the evidence, 
from the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. It looks like 
rupture from too rapid growth. 
J. Randall Peach. — It is of the essence of the “Nature-Study ” movement 
that scholars should learn not from books but from their own observations. 
The only books, therefore, required for their use are Nature calendars, diaries, 
or drawing-books, in other words, blank books in which to record these observa- 
tions. As guides to teachers situated like yourself, I would recommend Dr. 
Hodge’s “ Nature-Study and Life ” (Ginn and Co., 7s.), which suggests graded 
lessons; Canon Steward’s “Nature Students’ Note Book” (Constable and 
Co., 2s. ), which suggests other books ; Mrs. Wilson’s “ Nature-Study in 
Elementary Schools” (Macmillan and Co.); Messrs. Buchanan and Gregory’s 
“ Lessons on Country Life” (Macmillan and Co., 3s. 6d.) ; and Mr. Hackwood’s 
“ Object Lessons in Natural Knowledge” (Longmans, 3s. 6d . ). 
NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
1. All communications for Nature Notes must be authenticated with name 
and address, not necessarily for publication. 
2. The return of an unaccepted contribution can only be guaranteed when it 
is accompanied by a stamped and addressed envelope. We cannot undertake to 
name specimens privately, to return them, or to reply to questions by letter. 
3. All communications for any number must be in the Editor’s hands by the 
10th of the preceding month. 
4. Communications for Nature Notes, books for review, specimens for 
naming, &c., should be addressed to the Editor, Professor Boulger, F. L. S. , 
F.G.S., 11, Onslow Road, Richmond, Surrey. 
5. For the supply of the Magazine to others than members, or for back 
numbers (except in the case of new members), address the publishers, with stamps 
at the rate of 2jd. per number, Messrs. John Bale, Sons and Danielsson, 
Ltd., 83-89, Great Titchfield Street, London, W. 
6. Letters connected with the business of the Society, subscriptions, &c. , should 
be addressed to the local Secretary, or the Secretary to the Society, Mr. R. 
Marshman WatTSON, 20, Hanover Square, W. 
